Top 10 reflections after Jets game

1)  They aren't who you think they are.... The Jets are not as good as the media wants them to be.  After numerous non-calls and momentum shifts going the Jets way, the Steelers still had a chance to win at the end.

2)  The Steelers offensive line isn't quite as bad as I (we) think they are.  As an ardent critic of our O Line play, I was pleasantly surprised they played remarkably well for most of the game yesterday.  That said, see #1 because other clubs have made them look horrible.

3)  They (Patriots) are who they think they are.  Until someone kicks their ass, the Baahston Area Baastards are still the bully in the AFC, if not the entire NFL. 

4)  Arians is who he usually is..... hmmmm.... what can you say?  Generally he called a good if not very good game.  He pulled a BA at the wrong time and the wrong place.  Blame Scott, but it's not a sound call in that position.  Good coaches put their players in the best position to succeed.  This was not a good call.  Schottenheimer called a good game.  Personnel groupings and mix of run/pass were effective.  The critical 3rd and 4th down plays won the game for the Jets.

5)  Big Ben is what we think he is.  Awesome, frustrating, inspiring, maddening, unflappable.  Part riverboat gambler, gunslinger, and ice man in the clutch - he also hurts his team with the occassional bone-headed maneuver.  Taken in whole, who wouldn't want him back there when the game is on the line?  I know I do.  Like Fran Tarkenton, John Elway, Bradshaw and even Johnny Unitas - the guy who can pull a victory from the jaws of defeat has the brain chemistry to make some mistakes too.  His two fumbles while struggling to escape the pass rush hurt.  He has to take care of the ball or throw it away.... live to fight another play.  All that said, he will be back making plays for a long time to come.

6)  Steelers defense can't win the game themselves.... not every week.  Defense played well again.  They did not have the big turnover which could have sent the game sailing into the Steelers hands.  Give credit to the Jets and Sanchez there.  Keisel had two huge knockdowns.  A little disconcerting how they could not get Sanchez to the ground.  I didn't think Timmons had a good day at all.  If they didn't run an edge stunt with him coming outside, he was often a step behind the play and was put on his back numerous times.

7)  Special teams are still a concern.  They were a losing phase in this game.  The old adage usually holds true - you have to win two of the three phases to win the game.  I would say the defensive and offensive phases were almost even yesterday.  The kicking game for the Jets was the difference.  Of all things a head coach can exert his influence upon - it is on special teams.  Who he makes available, how they are used, picking up advantages on film study, playing the field position game,  Tomlin and the Steelers lost that phase and gave the Jets the yards they could not gain themselves on offense.  Suisham himself has remained clutch.

8)  On any given Sunday..... the 2010 Steelers exemplify another old NFL saying.  As many of us have said - they are capable of beating anyone, anywhere, any time.  A little bit of 2009 remains such that the opposite seems eminently possible no matter the opponent's record.

9)  Polamalu's timing is good, in more ways than one.  The injury comes at a good time.  Even though they would have been better with him, I didn't think they needed him vs the Jets to win.  The game was close, winnable and probably should have been a win.  They don't need him against Carolina and they shouldn't need him vs the BrownEyes.

10)  The Steeler's receiving corps is peaking coming into the playoffs.  I was not happy with Wallace early.  He didn't finish a few plays when he thought he was being fouled.  Keep playing!!  The zebra is going to make up his mind without your histrionics.  Aside from that, they play fast and had success against a good defense.  Sanders is getting better every week, Wallace is a factor every play and even Spaeth looks better than years past.  Hines Ward is Hines Ward.

Can't say I'm satisfied with a tough loss.  However, the Jets, Jags, Colts, AFC Worst and hated Ravens are all teams the Steelers can beat.  The Pats are on a different level, but it's 3 weeks until the first playoff game.  Time is on the Steelers side right now.  Thursday is going to be tough but at least we're at home.  Browns game may be tough again simply because of the rivalry and the look ahead to the playoffs.  Two wins will go a long way toward setting them up in the playoffs for another AFCCG against the Pats.